5 comments about Flowers A to Z with Donna Dewberry.

1. This book is awesome! I have many of Donna's books but this is my favorite. I've been painting using the One Stroke method for about 5 months and I'm HOOKED! I've taken 13 classes with my local OSCI since then, which is the best way to improve your OS painting skills, but this book is a great compliment to those classes. Donna uses about 15 pages in the beginning of the book to go over materials, techniques and colors. Then she covers 50 flowers/blooms using 2 pages for each. The picture of her finished piece is a full page and of course very colorful. Then on the opposite page it lists the brushes and paints you'll need and a step by step guide on how to paint the flower(s). But it doesn't stop there. She uses 14 pages at the end to cover filler flowers and floral composition. Finally the last 2 pages are a gallery of floral project ideas. This is an invaluable resource! Enjoy!



2. I enjoyed the instructions in this book. First, a detailed explanation of how to complete each type of stroke is given. Then, the book has detailed information on how to paint many different types of flowers and arrangements. And finally,(this is the best part) it goes on to explain how to create original arrangements depending on the surface space the painter has to work with. This book was well written and easy to follow



3. The product was in excellent condition when I received. I will buy more books from this seller. Very pleased



4. Good solid book, but nothing really stellar. It has some good techniques, but not the Wow factor in many of the other books



5. Great book for anybody whos intrested in learning one stroke painting because it teaches you how to paint different kind of flowers and the instructions are easy to follow.

1 comments about Bridge: 25 Ways to Compete in the Bidding (Bridge (Master Point Press)).

1. One of the best-selling books on bridge, and an essential for novice / intermediate players, is Barbara Seagram's (with Marc Smith) popular text "25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know." We picked up a copy of this follow-on -- "25 Ways to Compete..." -- guessing that it would be the same quality as the earlier book and hopefully just as interesting and useful. We were not to be disappointed!
   
   Like "25 Conventions", "25 Ways" has 25 chapters, each covering different methods for getting into the auction once the opponents have opened the bidding. Rather than organize these topics somewhat at random by difficulty, this book organizes the topics by broad competitive area, dividing the discussions into six groups: Suit Overcalls (5 chapters); Takeout Doubles (4); Notrump Overcalls (2); 1NT Defenses (3); Bidding over Preempts (5); and General Competitive Issues (6). While some of the chapters are as short as 5 or 6 pages, others go into more detail by presenting more alternatives. For example, the chapter on conventional defenses over a 1NT opening describes Landy, Cappelletti, and DONT, while mentioning that plenty of others exist. As Eddie Kantar points out in his forward, there are even chapters (his favorites) introducing the subjects of the Law of Total Tricks and Hand Evaluation.
   
   While some of this material can be handled by advanced beginners, we suspect most of the techniques will appeal to intermediate players {experts will probably have already traversed most of these roads!}. Sometimes it takes frustration with current bidding limitations to see the real motivation behind many of the methods disclosed herein. But the chapter summaries, sample problems, and explanatory answers echo the quality we discovered in the author's other work. To become a nastier opponent, get yourself a copy of "25 Ways"!

1 comments about Dental Floss for the Mind: A complete program for boosting your brain power.

1. Do these statements describe you:
   
   1. Love to read. ALOT.
   2. Love to play games like Trivial Pursuit, Cranium, Mind Trap, etc?
   3. Lifelong learner, keeping up with literature in your profession.
   4. MENSA Member?
   
   If so, get this book. You won't be disappointed. VERY good workout for the mind.

5 comments about Design Your Own Coat of Arms: An Introduction to Heraldry.

1. This book provides a very elementary introduction to Heraldry. The basic layout of a Coat of Arms is discussed, including a very brief history, along with the rules of placement and description for the major elements. The author also includes some discussion of the prevailing Heraldry of countries around the world, including medieval countries. The appendixes include elements for the user to trace or imitate when creating their own Coat of Arms. Lastly there is some contact information for organizations involved with Heraldry.
   
   The book lacks depth. It provides nothing resembling an exhaustive list of elements; only a few basic forms and styles are covered. Further there is nil discussion concerning the meaning of the elements presented. The most a reader can learn is that crowns and lions rampant are symbols of Royalty, and some of that we have to infer. The work feels directed to early middle school children and should probably be marked as Young Reader.



2. In this book there is more historical information, and descriptions. Great for older children that can draw well.



3. Great book for beginner Heralds!!!



4. Perfect resource guide for my unit on the Middle Ages. Very quick shipment and in perfect condition. Great job!



5. a very good book, as it explains heradlry terms, and makes it simple to create your own device.
   
   pity amazon so hard to deal with if not in america

5 comments about Savage Worlds Explorers Edition (S2P10010).

1. Savage Worlds advertises its mechanics as "fast and furious", which is true: the rules are bareboned but solid, and combat proceeds quickly, and in an interesting fashion. Die rolls outide of combat are quick, without much "searching for the right chart" time spent. The book itself is concise, compact, and provides a good deal of rules and info for such a small package. Sometimes, it's a little hard to find exactly what you're looking for, a back-of-book index would have been nice, but that's really my only complaint. Personally, I prefer a bit more crunch in my RPG systems, but it's all subjective. The wonderful thing about SW is the AMAZING array of variable settings available. Whether they are hardbound setting/campaign books, PDF downloads, or setting converions found online and made by enthusiastic gamers, there is no dearth of a selection. I am playing in a Rippers (Savage Worlds; S2P10005) story right now and having a blast. Highly recommended!



2. I have been a gamer since '79 & savage worlds is fast, fun, & furious as it claims. It loses no punch or depth from its simplicity.



3. This game is great for both a quick start one shot game or for a long term in depth campaign.



4. Savage Worlds RPG is not the innovative RPG some reviewers make it out to be. True, the game's simple game mechanics facilitate "fast and furious" game play, but they're not particularly revolutionary (adding a card deck to generate random outcomes, for example, is an ancient concept). Some of the rule descriptions in the book lack clarity and may leave many player's wondering what the author intended.
   
   I don't believe the Savage Worlds system is inherently better than those of other popular RPGs. I would say that the price of Savage Worlds Explorer's Edition is far more reasonable than other RPG core rule books on the market. If you are just looking for a simple game and you haven't spent all your allowance on death metal downloads, Savage Worlds is worth a look.



5. As the saying goes, converts make the best zealots, and my group and I have become fairly zealous about Savage Worlds. Which is a good thing, because it revitalized our interest in RPGing and got us back to the gaming table. Savage Worlds is not exactly rules-light, but is not nearly so complicated as 3.5e or 4e D&D. The emphasis is not on having a rule for every possibility, nor ensuring balance or parity for all elements of the game, but relies instead on a fair GM who ajudicates on the fly to keep the action moving. This being the case, it is not a game for groups who have an adversarial relationship with their GM, but more for those who view the GM as a referee or story-teller.
   
   SW comes out of a miniatures background, but it works flawlessly without miniatures as well, something I find increasingly difficult to say about D&D. It is a skill-based, classless system. It uses the full standard array of RPG dice, and incorporates exploding dice (open-ended rolls) to create "miracle" rolls. Character generation is fast, even at high levels, and fairly free of fidgity details like hit points or skill points. Skills are rated by die type (bigger=better), and success is generally achieved whenever you roll a 4 or higher. Edges are the equivalent of feats, but there are fewer and they cause fewer min/max exploits.
   
   Combat mechanics are the same as any other skill check, and is generally grim 'n' gritty. Without HP, combat isn't a accountant/resource management exercise -- badly wounded characters can survive against incredible odds, while unwounded characters can be incapacitated with a single well-placed blow. "Bennies" (SW's hero points/action points) are seamlessly integrated into the system, including for the GM (which is a nice touch), and help take the worst of the brutal edge off of the combat system. For rules geeks out there, armor absorbs damage and skills (including combat capabilities) degrade with fatigue and injury.
   
   Finally, I have found it incredibly easy to convert 1e, 2e, 3e, and 3.5e to Savage Worlds on the fly. Pinnacle games provides a 2-page conversion guide that provides 90% of the conversions you'll need. The rest, mostly feats or monstrous special abilities, can usually be adapted right at the table.
   
   Overall I have to give the highest marks to Savage Worlds. It is fast, it is furious, and most of all, it is fun. The emphasis is squarely on the players and their characters, and prep time for the GM is minimal.

5 comments about Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Signature Series Guide (Bradygames Signature Series).

1. This guide is required reading for any gaming fan of Marvel Ultimate Alliance who wishes to find everything but does not wish to invest significant time.



2. The cinematics in this game are fantastic.
   However the characters in the game are to small.
   The camera angles are disapointing. The same way with some of the sports games. Camera angles are important in any game! Camera angles need to be on the ground level with the characters.



3. This is, as always from Bradygames, an excellent strategy guide. From trivia questions to cheat codes, this one has them all. The only thing not included? Which X-Man to kill at the end of Mephisto's Realm (and yes it does matter.) Hint: Don't kill the one who's known to come back from death.



4. This is an excellent game guide book with everything you would need to 100% complete the game. I am disappointed that the pages began pulling away from the binding within a few days of light use. Now, whole sections of pages are falling out as if the binding dried out. I guess I am stuck with it!!



5. Marvel Ultimate Alliance is filled with hidden items, choices that change the story and puzzles that take some serious thought. This guide will help you not only get through the game and save the Marvel Universe, but it will teach you a few little known facts about Marvel comics (which will also help you get some serious XP). I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to see and do everything this great game offers

5 comments about Making Miniature Food and Market Stalls.

1. Anyone who is interested in making miniature food should purchase this book, the explanations are superb.



2. This is a book come with the step by step guide to create the indivdual items. It is a book value for money.



3. I have been looking for a book that will help me make some of the foods for my little people in the doll house. Now, they can have tasty and semi-real food. Very detailed and easy step by step instructions.



4. A great book! This book covers the basics of working with polymer clay, including mixing colors and which tools you'll need. It also shows you step-by-step, with words and pictures, how to create each project. And the best part: the finished food that *I make* by following the steps, looks REAL! Making miniature food is so much fun, thanks to this book!



5. This book has plenty of pictures and also clear step-by-step instructions, easy to follow, for all stages - from beginners to more experienced artists. Very realistic miniatures, absolutely perfect!
   
   There is only "raw" food though, no dishes... (suggestion for her next book!) I'll buy any book she writes!

5 comments about Pocket Rider Waite Tarot.

1. This is a good deck to start with before your skill level rises to where you want to chose another "more exotic" deck.



2. The cards were too small and the descriptions in the box did not match the info from the website. Overall not bad.



3. At First I was not a fan of the traditional Rider Waite Tarot. As the artwork is simplistic and I typically enjoy more flash and pizzazz. I also did not understand them. Recently, I have (and still am) learning the Tarot online with Cyndy Green and am using the Rider Waite Tarot with my Tarot JournalTarot Journal and Daily Spread JournalsDaily Spread Tarot & Oracle Journal to work all of my learning modals (visual, tactile audile) as I am finally learning the cards. All of these has helped me finally be able to recognize and understand what the cards mean when I see them...without needing a book to read the interpretation from! With the online formal training to understand the Rider Waite in simple words, I really enjoy the simplicity of the original deck and even learning about the meaning of the colors. Once you get the knack of these cards down, they are really easy to interpret and an excellent place to start because of all the universal collective energies behind this deck and similar Rider Waite versions. Definitely an excellent starting point as you will be able to draw off of the thoughts of so many others who have spent time interpreting these cards.



4. A true classic, which any reader should own. Nice job on the color, etc. Definitely worth the money in my opinion.
   
   If you're just starting tarot, this is the deck I would recommend. Most books are based upon it, or at the least, have mention of it and the card meanings.
   
   A good foundation for all tarot readers, old and new.



5. I was a little disappointed with the quality of this item. They seemed to be cheaply mass produced but, they would work for a beginner. To be honest though I may have been spoiled by the fact that I have a 1972 vintage set of Rider-waite cards and the quality is much better.

5 comments about Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing.

1. I knew this was "THE" book to have for shibori technique instructions. However, the very pleasant surprise was all the history of shibori! It would be fascinating even if I wasn't intending to learn the technique. The instructions are very clearly presented. I have already tried a couple of the techniques with very good results and I'm only a beginner!



2. Many detailed instructions on methods, very nice photos of works by some very talented artists both past and present. If you want to do shibori I would say this is a must have. If you are interested in the history of dyeing techniques this is a great text. I love it.



3. Excellent book!! If you study textile arts or just like tie-dyeing--I strongly recommend getting this book!



4. Fantastic. A though history of the art as well as detailed photos and explanations of techniques making it easy for you to review a technique and apply it to fabric.



5. I love this book! With the historical information, detailed illustrations and photographs this book is the perfect addition to my fiber library.

5 comments about Basics of Embroidery on Paper.

1. Paper embroidery is a new hobby for me and the patterns and ideas in the book are great! My only disappointment was that there were few "male" oriented patterns, except for the plain designs. I would have liked to have seen boats, animals, etc.



2. I am enjoying making my own cards using the patterns in this book. It is easy and fun. My family and friends that I send the cards to have complimented my work.



3. The designs in this book are pretty. So what? I have no idea where to buy the supplies listed in the book--Erica punch mat, Erica punch pen with matching needle in 3 sizes, scissors for decorative border, Erica brand, I think.
   
   This is the first How-To book I've seen without a source guide at the end of the book. It's shameful. This is not a book about the basics, its' a book for people who already do the craft, and presumably, already have a full complement of tools.
   
   I would have rated this book one star, but the designs are pretty. So, if you've got the tools, have fun. I can't. Ms. Fortgens doesn't care if I'm able to acquire them. She's preaching to experienced crafters that have cracked the code of finding tools. I'm guessing that since the tools' brand name is the same as the author's first name that she's involved in the manufacture of them. I would expect her to try to sell her tools, as well. Guess not. It doesn't make sense to me.



4. This book contains very easy to do and great looking projects. Clear examples and easy to follow.



5. The title indicates that this book is for rank beginners. As such, it is a disappointment. Although it has some good patterns to copy, the directions for use are as sketchy as are directions in Fortner's subsequent books. Although learning a new skill always entails some degree of trial-and-error, learning to embroider on paper with this book as a guide guarantees frustration with the learning curve and easily could cut short any interest in continuing to persevere.